Mariano Rivera To Return In 2013

Mariano Rivera informed Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman that he wants to return next season, tweets Erik Boland of Newsday. The closer is now a free agent after finishing up his two-year, $30MM contract.

Rivera tore his ACL while shagging fly balls in May, bringing his season to an end. The closer vowed to return to action but Cashman recently disclosed that Rivera was considering retirement. Rivera has earned $15MM in each of the past five seasons, but the Yankees may look to push that number down as he closes in on his 43rd birthday.

Gaining some clarity on Rivera's situation will almost certainly influence the Yankees' stance on Rafael Soriano. Soriano is expected to decline the one-year, $13.3MM qualifying offer he received yesterday and the Yankees likely won't pay a steep price for him unless it's to bring him back as closer. Boras is said to be seeking a four-year pact in the neighborhood of $60MM.

Or on the flip side, the Yankees should offer him a 1-year $105 million contract, considering the surplus value he provided for the Yankees throughout his career, in terms of dollars per WAR.

He’s the greatest closer this sport has ever seen, you’d think fans would be a bit more appreciative of his career. He tore his ACL this year, it’s not like he benched himself because nagging knee or back issues or something.

I had the privilidge of meeting Rivera when I was younger. He made a guest appearance at a Christian Convention and was talking about how his life in Panama shaped who he is today. Great man of faith and an even better closer. I’m so happy he’s returning.